Giant Zanzibariensis - Castor Bean

(Ricinus communis) This giant castor bean will take center stage in any garden. Magnificent plants can grow over 15 feet in the first season, and the leaves can reach 3 feet across! A true monster that gets big in most climates and really huge in warm climates. Provides a quick, tropical-like shade. (Caution: All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are very poisonous. Do not take internally. Skin contact may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.)

I started these about six weeks before last frost in standard gallon pots, then planted next to our home on the sunny side of the house. They loved the heat, and didn't require too much water.
Plants were at 15 feet and above the edge of the roof by the end of August.

I ordered Castor Beans from Baker Creek. Unfortunately the Post Office destroyed the first two shipments. Baker Creek was happy to replace each bad shipment. I have been growing castors for many years. I like the fact that these plants make me feel like I live in the tropics... if only for a short time. These seeds provided the largest, sturdiest plants I have ever grown. The largest reached in excess of 12 feet. I look forward to buying more products from Baker Creek.

I've been growing these for 4 decades in the deep south, they get 20-25 feet for me here. The best soil produces the best plants.. I soak my seeds overnight before planting directly where they are to grow. Mulch well and don't let soil dry out. Use organic fertilizers like worm castings manure tea, compost, etc. I also put a couple drops of Bach Rescue Remedy in their water during the hot, summer days here. Does them well.
Seeds will explode everywhere so cut off the flowers if you have children or pets around them. One of the most deadly poisons in the world!

My father grew these every year in Stockport, OH while I was growing up. He grew them on the south side of the house to create shade from the summer sun. It worked like magic. It was great shade for the house. They were just beautiful plants. They grew taller than our single story home every year. So glad to find these. As an adult it's been difficult to find the tall ones like 'Dad' grew. Looking forward to growing these this year.

I have now grown these Castors for the last three years and I consistently get comments from guests and strangers about their exotic nature. I live near Lake Michigan and the plants love the partial shade where I plant them. They have consistently grown over 12' tall each year from seeds started outdoors...even with our short growing season. This is a must for someone looking for a great focal point and conversation piece.